The Ghana Journalists Association (GLA) has renewed calls for a state of emergency in areas where active illegal mining is ongoing.
The GJA said, though major steps have been taken to address the issue, including the arrest of some perpetrators and the revocation of the license of some mining firms allegedly operating illegally, a state of emergency and a repeal of L.I 2462 will save the country’s forests and river bodies.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the President of the GJA, Albert Dumfour, appealed to the government to do everything in its power to bring illegal mining to an end.
“We, however, think that there is more to do to ensure greater success, such as the repeal of the law that allows for mining in forest reserves and the declaration of a state of emergency in targeted areas to ensure a frontal attack on galamsey.
We also demand from the minister and the government the protection of journalists and facilitation of their work in mining fields to enable them to discharge their duties without hindrance,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462, which currently permits mining in forest reserves, will be revoked once Parliament reconvenes.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, April 23, Gyamfi reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s strong stance against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He explained that the delay in revoking the L.I is due to ongoing legal deliberations over whether the law should be amended or repealed entirely. However, he assured that the necessary steps for its revocation have already been taken.
According to Gyamfi, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has confirmed that a bill to revoke the controversial legislation is ready and awaiting Parliament’s return from recess.